Jayson Tatum or Jonathan Isaac?
Tatum or Isaac?
— . (@embiist) January 23, 2017
I’ve had Tatum higher on my NBA draft big board virtually all season, but Isaac’s impressive play as of late has made me question that — a lot. Duke’s talent-laden rotation has made it difficult for Tatum to find much of a featured role, but Isaac has been under a similar scenario on a deep Florida State team, while playing significantly better as of late.
Related Story: Philadelphia 76ers’ Draft: Jayson Tatum Shining Early
So, as of right now, I’m giving my vote to Isaac on this issue. Listed at 6-11 — albeit possibly taller — Isaac’s size, fluidity, and shooting touch on the perimeter gives him some highly unique upside. He lacks core strength right now, which will be his biggest weakness heading to the next level, but makes up for it with length that helps him make plays in a variety of areas.
Isaac’s versatility would be a really nice fit for the Sixers alongside Embiid and Simmons in the frontcourt. That gives them three players that measure over 6-10 in height, yet they retain two capable perimeter defenders in the process. It sets up a lot of easy, switch-heavy defensive setups, and gives Brett Brown a ton of flexibility to mold to his liking for the foreseeable future.
Isaac is shooting 38.5 percent from deep (8.5 percent higher than Tatum), and possesses a level of scoring potential that even the highly-polished Tatum might not be able to reach. As his frame fills out, it’s difficult to imagine many fours capably matching up with Isaac off the bounce in isolation, while his size gives him an easy advantage over the vast majority of small forwards.
He could be the perimeter scoring threat — and defensive monster, given his measurables — that puts the Sixers over the top. I like him as a pick anywhere outside the top 2.
Who, Outside of the Big Names, Should we be Watching?
If we’re going to define ‘etc’ as the big names that don’t often get thrown the Sixers’ way in most 2017 NBA Draft discussions, the first name would have to be Ntilikina. If simply for the very same reasons I mentioned earlier. He could slip into the later stages of the lottery, but I’m legitimately comfortable with him as a pickup in the 5-10 range as it currently stands.
He has fantastic defensive tools, a highly skilled and well-developed approach on offense, and some improved scoring that will only flourish more as he learns to play with a bit more edge.
For more on his fit with the Sixers, you can also read here.
Another name worth mentioning is Luke Kennard. While I don’t see the Duke standout sliding up to the Sixers’ echelon in the lottery, his skill set is worth looking into in some capacity — although that possibility is likely limited to a trade later in the draft.
He has been the primary offensive catalyst for Duke all season, showcasing the type of well-rounded game that could make him an ideal secondary playmaker to throw alongside Simmons in the backcourt. He’s the Blue Devils’ best perimeter shooter at 44 percent, and shows an array of floaters and nifty head fakes that allow him to get into the teeth of the defense and finish inside as well, despite non-elite athletic tools.
He also boasts the best 2-point jump shot percentage on Duke’s roster, as well as the second best field goal percentage at the rim of anybody who has taken upwards of 100 shots this season, trailing solely Amile Jefferson, per Hoop-Math.com. He combines one of the nation’s most advanced scoring arsenals with some excellent passing instincts to boot.